Parental Locus of Control and Children’s ADHD: A Multigroup Cross-Lagged Analysis in Family Childcare Arrangements (Poster 16)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 8:00 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Building Home-School-Community Partnerships

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate whether sharing parenting responsibilities with grandparents in childcare would affect the reciprocal relationship between parental locus of control (PLOC) and children's ADHD behaviors. Families with preschoolers aged 3-6 were surveyed at two time points. Multigroup cross-lagged panel modeling revealed distinct patterns: in families where parents were sole caregivers, a higher internal PLOC was linked to fewer children's inattentive behaviors. In families with co-parenting grandparents, a higher external PLOC was associated with more children's inattentive and hyperactive behaviors. These findings underscored the importance of a strong internal PLOC and parental primary involvement for better ADHD management outcomes.

Authors

• Gen Li, University of South Florida

• Yolanda Rotzinger Ballesteros, University of South Florida

• Tony Xing Tan, University of South Florida